Dickson could be a nice receiving complement to tight end Greg Olsen, who led the team in receptions last season. Dickson had only 25 catches this past season, but in 2011 he caught a career-high 54 for 528 yards and five touchdowns.

A fifth-year player out of Oregon, Dickson was a third-round pick by the Ravens in 2010. Buffalo also has shown an interest, and the Ravens reportedly haven't ruled out re-signing him.

For the Panthers to show interest in another tight end likely means the team will not re-sign Ben Hartsock.